Almost done!

Since it's technically Tuesday (hey pregnancy insomnia, how you doin'), I can officially say I'm in the last ten weeks of my pregnancy! 30 weeks down, 10 (less than that, really) to go. How crazy is that? I mean, really? It feels like I just found out that we were going to have a little bean join the family yesterday and now I'm sitting here at 1am feeling him kick and jab away in my tummy (he's taken quite the liking to my punching belly button and left hip lately. Mama is not amused by this to say the least). 

At my next endocronologist appointment, my doctor is going to go over my insulin levels for labor and delivery. When a diabetic mama who is insulin dependent like myself goes into labor, her need for insulin falls back to pre-pregnancy levels (yay!) and in some cases, the need for insulin is completely gone for a day or two after birth (double yay!) For some reason this is really making it real. We're going to have a real live baby soon and they might actually let me take him home (but probably only because Todd looks like a responsible adult)! 

Because of my diabetes, I'm probably not going to make it to 40 weeks before they induce me and it's something I've struggled my entire pregnancy with. In my ideal world, I would go into labor naturally when he was ready to come and labor without much medical intervention. But, as I've learned during this pregnancy, life doesn't exactly cooperate and is rarely ideal (and your body isn't cooperative much either). So, I've accepted it and am moving on with a picture of what my birth expereice is going to look like: possible & likely induction in a hosptial with monitoring around the clock. It may not be my ideal situation, but it's my reality. Without these medical interventions that will define my birth, it would be very hard (life threatening even) to get pregnant and carry a child to term. It took me a while to come to terms with that. I'm a big believer in natural labor and labor being something that is beautiful and every woman should get to experience in her own ideal way. But, we don't always get what we want. I keep reminding myself that I am so very lucky to have been born in a time where such medical advancements are avaliable to me. 

I'm not feeling 'huge' yet, but my OB insists that there is still time for that. So, I'm looking forward to being a whale soon. I've been working on my Shamu impressions to make everything more realistic.  Despite the fact that I'm working a limited schedule, I still find myself exhausted at the end of the day (and then wide awake as soon as my head hits the pillow. Thanks kid.)

Todd and I are enjoying our last few weeks of having a two member family while still being anxious and excited for our family to grow into three. The knowledge that I'm going to be a mom so soon is freaking me out more than a little, but I can't wait to meet my little. 

Here's an insta-look at what we've been up to while settling into our new routine at home in Michigan: 

We bought his crib! I love walking into the nursery and seeing it there, just waiting for him to come home. 

We went to my favorite place on earth, Bronner's Christmas store in Frankenmuth (and got chicken dinner. I was a happy pregnant that night) 

I turned into a master baker and made ALL the pies for Thanksgiving

We decorated the tree (I'm working on convincing Todd to let it stay up year round. So far, he's not into the idea.)

AND! I got to see my little's cute face. One of the benefits of having diabetes and being pregnant is that you get lots of ultrasounds! I love seeing him kick and squirm away up on the screen. 

Next up: 

Christmas! 

New Years!

My baby shower! 

Todd goes to Utah for his sisters wedding! 

And then...

BABY TIME! 

{26 weeks}

14 weeks until Baby Boy Smith makes his debut. 3 months and 2 weeks. Because of my diabetes, it'll probably be less than that even. Which kind of freaks me out. You go through your life thinking 'one day I'll get married and have kids.' and 'someday I want kids'. It's entirely different when you're 14 weeks from actually becoming a mom and starting a family and feeling that little munchkin practice his karate on your bladder. 

Seriously, this kid is either going to be a NFL kicker or a karate master judging by the way he is moving around in there. I think that's been one of my favorite things about pregnancy, feeling him move around. At first, it's hard to identify and you kind of second guess yourself. Was that the baby I just felt? But after a few weeks of maybe kicks, there's one day that he just nails you in the stomach and you go Oh hey, yeah, you're in there! He especially loves to kick around at night when I'm lying in bed on my side and will let me know if I'm in a position he doesn't like. He's not shy, that one. 

Every night (and day. and afternoon. and all.the.time) I find myself saying 'I just fed you child, why am I so hungry?!' And I can go from completely not hungry to OMG if I don't eat right this second I am going to have a meltdown. Which I've never had a problem with before now but I've learned to keep food near me at all times or else I end up in trouble. 

Overall, this pregnancy has been challenging but rewarding. I was prepared for how it would challenge and change me physically, but I don't think I was ready for how it would challenge me mentally. With my diabetes, it's hard for me to make those quick food decisions sometimes because I have to worry about carbs, sugars, protein, etc. So when I get into that OMG I have to eat right this second mood, I have to be careful with what I eat. 

I get so tired so easily and if I overdo it one day, I usually pay for it by not being able to do much the next. And for those people who say 'Oh the second trimester is the best one! I had all my energy back' Well, that doesn't happen for everyone. I think I was more tired in the second than I  was in the first. But, Todd keeps reminding me that it will all be worth it in the end. 

Speaking of Todd, can I just say how wonderful that man has been throughout this entire adventure? Becuase he has. There have been so many nights where I just couldn't get in the kitchen because food made me nauseous and he was fine with eating peanut butter and jelly. So many weekends where I was too tired to do laundry and he did it for us. And he's continued to do all of the dishes too. And the pep talks he gives? Wonderful.  He's been there for me in every way. I know I couldn't have done this without him and I wouldn't be able to continue on without him either. 

My other favorite part of pregnancy? The bump!!!

I can't wait to meet our little man soon. 

Quick and Easy Taco Salad

We love taco salad in our house. It was the first thing I ever cooked Todd when we were first dating and every time I make it, one of the two of us brings that up and it makes me all nostalgic. It's incredibly easy and great for a weeknight when you don't have much time or energy for a good meal. I love it because it's low carb/high protein which is great for diabetics. 

Ingredients: 

1 lb of lean ground beef or turkey

Taco seasoning

1 bag of baby spinach or other bagged leafy greens 

1 can of red kidney beans

Doritos

Catalina dressing

Cheddar jack cheese 

Directions: 

Brown the meat and use the taco seasoning according to the package

Once the meat is browned, everyone can make up their own salad using however much of the ingredients they want. I start off with the salad as a base, put meat, cheese, and kidney beans, and crush a handful of Doritos for the top. 

The Catalina dressing goes on last and you're done! 

I love this because you can assemble it yourself and the 'goodies' don't get lost in the bottom of the salad bowl. I also used to make this in college and kept everything separate so I could make this multiple times during the week for dinner or lunch. So. Good. 

Enjoy! 

Crockpot Pumpkin Applesauce

(source) 

Last year I ran across a pin for crockpot pumpkin applesauce. I made it a few times that fall and it. was. so. good. After we went to the apple orchard a few weeks ago, I tried to pull up the pin that had the recipe and just couldn't find it. I searched and searched and eventually found that the blog has since been taken down! It wasn't that hard of a recipe, to be honest, so I just guessed and it turned out pretty good. 

Ingredients: 

10-15 apples (I used a combonation of Honey Crisp, Johnathan, and Golden Delicious)

1/2 C sugar

15 oz can of pumpkin puree 

Pumpkin pie spice to taste

Directions: 

* Peel and chop the apples 

*Put everything in the crockpot and stir so it's all well combined. 

*Turn on the crockpot to low and let cook for 5-6 hours or until the apples are soft. 

* If you like smooth applesauce, put the applesauce in a blender or food processer and blend until smooth. If you're like me and like chunky applesauce, take a potato masher and mash until it's the right consistency. 

That's it! I forgot to take a picture when I made it a few weeks ago and by the time I typed this up, it was all gone. Next time I make it, I'll add some picutres to this post. 

Enjoy! 

Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake

I found the original recipe for this on Budget Bytes via Pinterest a few weeks ago. Since I'm lazy and can't seem to get my act together an hour before dinner, I decided to change it up a little fix it so it took less time. Most everything is the same except for a few changes. 

Ingredients: 

2-3 chicken breasts

1 can of black beans (or pinto, or whatever you want)

1 can of corn

1 16 oz bottle of salsa

White (or brown) Minute Rice

Salt and Pepper to taste

Olive Oil

1 Cup cheddar cheese

Directions: 

*Preheat oven to 350*

* Make enough Minute Rice for 4 servings (2 cups of water, 2 cups of rice in my case). You can up this if you want more rice, but it turned out just fine for me. 

* While the rice is cooking, cut up the chicken and put in to a medium pan with some olive oil, salt, and pepper and cook until done. When it's done, dump in the salsa with the chicken,

* When the rice is done put into baking dish (I used two dishes, a smaller one and a round bowl). 

*Drain the corn and the beans and put them in the dish(es) with the rice. 

*Do the same thing with the chicken and salsa mixture (make sure it's fully cooked before putting it in the dish). 

* Stir everything together until it's good and mixed. 

*Mix in half of the cheese with the rest of the mixutre. Use the rest of the cheese for the top right before you put it in the oven.   

* Slide it into the oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is all bubbly. Since everything is already cooked, you're just heating it through and making everything all hot and gooey and yummy. 

I only put one of the two dishes in the oven for dinner and put the other one in the fridge instead. We'll eat it later in the week and I'll just pop it into the oven then! 

The finished product: 

                     

We're baaaaaaaaaaaack!

So much for my committment to be a better blogger. Whoops. But, it seems like when you move across the country, time and blogging just slips away from you. It's been a busy late summer/eary fall around our house and every time I sit at the computer I think to myself 'I really should update the blog' but...I just never do. So, here I am! Updating and stuff!

Highlights since August:

* After a lot of prayer and talking, we decided that a move to Michigan was in order. Utah was wonderful, but T and I felt it was going to be easier to be surrounded by support and family when the baby comes. And that support and family is in Michigan.

* We put our house on the market in early August

* We sold the house in 10 days. TEN DAYS PEOPLE. I was shocked and amazed and pleased and happy.

* We found out we're having a BOY!!!!! 

  

* Three days after I turned 25 (!!) we packed up the house with the help of my parents and started the four day drive from Utah to Michigan. Let me tell you that moving 2 dogs, 4 people, a moving truck, 2 cars (one on a trailer), and the entire contents of a house was an experience I never ever want to have ever again. 

* We moved into our new apartnemt. 

*T found a fantastic job within SIX days of getting here. Take THAT Michigan economy. 

* We celebrated our 2 year engagement-versary 

* We started working on our woodland themed nursery (which, omg, I am so excited about you have no idea) 

I can't even explain how good it feels to be back home, surrounded by family, and watching the leaves change. T is loving Michigan too and I am loving showing him around the place where I grew up. 

Here's what's up next for the Smith clan: 

* Our next ultrasound is on Monday. I can't wait to see my baby boy again. 

* I have a few recipes that are in the works for the blog: Pumpkin Applesause and Salsa Chicken Bake! 

* Nursery decoration and baby prep. 

* Lots and lots of family time. 

* More blogging. I promise! 

Something Special

That's right! Todd and I are expecting baby #1 in February. We're thrilled, excited, nervous, anxious...all of those crazy feelings you have as first time parents. It's been an interesting journey so far with morning sickness, high sugars, and low sugars but things seem to be settling out now that I'm almost into the second trimester. I'm automatically high risk becuase of my diabetes, but so far our little bean (who is now really the size of a plum) is growing strong and we've heard his/her heartbeat at every single appointment.

:)

stop what you're doing right this second

Seriously. I've found the perfect summer fudgesicle for you to make. And you should probably make it right now. 

I'm sure you've seen this fudge pop  recipe floating around various blogs lately. I think I have 2 or 3 versions pinned to my 'sweets' board in Pinterest. On a whim, we picked up those little pop makers that you see everywhere at Ikea the other day and this little treat looked like the perfect way to test them out. 

I used THIS recipe to make them and it couldn't have been easier (side note, the blog is fantastic and has, are you ready for this? Healthy desserts and only healthy desserts! Win!) 

The ingredients?

3 frozen bananas

1 tablespoon cocoa powder (I had the unsweetned kind on hand)

1/2 c of Nutella (she also has a link for homemade Nutella on the blog if you want to get really fancy) 

a splash of vanilla

a pinch of salt

Throw everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour them into molds (they fit perfectly into my 6 Ikea pop molds) and toss them in the freezer! done and done. 

They are so delicious and I can promise you I will be living off of these this summer. I may have already eaten 5 today. 

{insta}pendence day

Happy 4th of July weekend. 

Yesterday Todd and I enjoyed the day off by being thouroughly lazy. We slept in, went out and bought a fire pit, and then roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. 

We discovered that Wally is so not a fan of fireworks. Poor pup :(

We're having a repeat bonfire tonight with more mallows! 

Final day of the trip!

The second day in SF we learned our lesson. Since we were staying in South San Francisco, we took the BART system into the city (and were informed by one of the cops that we looked like tourists and were confused. Thanks dude. haha) and took one of those touristy double decker bus tours around the city. Totally worth it. 

San Francisco

We got to spend a few extra days in San Francisco at the end of the trip. I'd been to SF before with my sister and mom but we didn't get to spend much time the city. Before we went into SF we stopped by the Oakland LDS Temple which was stunning. The temple is on the top of a hill and you can see all of Oakland and across to San Francisco and it's really stunning. 

We ventured down to Fisherman's Wharf after (pro tip: DO NOT EVER drive down there during rush hour when there's a baseball game. Trust me. Just don't.) 

Surprise!

Earlier this month my dad hit a major milestone: he retired! He was with the Police Department for 32 years. THIRTY TWO YEARS. That's a long time people. 

Last month I got a call from his wife saying that she wanted to throw him a surprise party and wanted my sister and I there. She suggested that we fly in and not tell him just to surprise him that night. With Kelly in Boston this summer and me here in Utah, we were both thrilled to fly in and surprise him. 

He knew something was up when he saw the sign but he still didn't know we were there! Kelly and I hung in the back of the hall for a little bit while everyone surprised him and then we snuck up to the front. It took a few minutes to be noticed because of all the people but when we finally did get his attention, the look on his face was priceless. He asked us 'how did you get here?!' (uh, a plane dad...) and had no idea that we were even close to being in town. The surprise was a success. 

Some of my dad's best friends were there, including his work partner of 14 years, the former Chief of Police that had hired him way back when, the Mayor, and a lot of family that I hadn't seen in a really long time. It was fantastic. 

Donuts hanging from the door. I saw them and died laughing. There were also mini donuts on each table. 

So congratulations dad! We're all so proud of you and hope you enjoy cruising in your classic car instead of the patrol car from now on. Just please, if someone sees my father in suspenders, socks and sandals, tell him to knock it off. Just because you're retired doesn't mean you can forget all of the fashion rules Kelly and I have worked so hard to teach you! ;)

Day 2 in the Redwoods

We took a short drive one of the days so we could spend more time in the Redwoods. We took "Avenue of the Giant's" in California. It was an extra 30 miles but so worth it. So very worth it. 

 Just to give you a frame of reference, Todd is 6'3 and he is majorly dwarfed by this tree. Inside it was all burnt up but it was still living. 

 Redwood trees do this weird thing when they fall. They're so bent on survival they will grow new trees from the fallen trunk. That's 6 new trees growing from one fallen trunk.